This course equips students with the knowledge and statistical skills to make valuable contributions to medical research as well as public health in low-, middle- and high-income countries. Epidemiological methods underpin clinical medical research, public health practice and health care evaluation to investigate the causes of disease and to evaluate interventions to prevent or control disease.
Graduates enter careers in medical research, public health and community medicine, epidemiological field studies, drug manufacturers, government or NGOs.
The Nand Lal Bajaj and Savitri Devi Prize is awarded to the best project each year. The prize was donated by Dr Subhash Chandra Arya, former student, in honour of his parents Dr Nand Lal Bajaj and Mrs Savitri Devi.
- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/files/epi_progspec.pdf)
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/epidemiology
Additional requirements for the MSc Epidemiology are:
- evidence of numeracy skills (e.g. A level Mathematics or Statistics or a module with a good mark in their university degree)
- it is preferable for a student to have some work experience in a health-related field
Any prospective student who does not meet the above minimum entry requirement, but who has relevant professional experience, may still be eligible for admission. Please contact the course directors ([email protected]) if you are not sure whether this is the right course for you.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and awareness of the role of epidemiology and its contribution to other health-related disciplines
- choose appropriate designs and develop detailed protocols for epidemiological studies
- enter and manage computerised epidemiological data and carry out appropriate statistical analyses
- assess the results of epidemiological studies (their own or other investigators'), including critical appraisal of the study question, study design, methods and conduct, statistical analyses and interpretation
Term 1:
All students take the compulsory modules and usually take optional modules.
Compulsory modules are:
- Clinical Trials
- Epidemiology in Practice
- Extended Epidemiology
- Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health .
Optional modules include:
- Demographic Methods
- Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.).
*Recommended modules
- Slot 1:
Study Design: Writing a Proposal (compulsory)
- Slot 2:
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (compulsory)
- Slot 3:
Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases*
Medical Anthropology and Public Health*
Social Epidemiology*
Spatial Epidemiology in Public Health*
Applied Communicable Disease Control
Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Current Issues in Safe Motherhood & Perinatal Health
Medical Anthropology and Public Health; Nutrition in Emergencies
Tropical Environmental Health
- Slot 4:
Environmental Epidemiology*
Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases*
Genetic Epidemiology*
Design and Evaluation of Mental Health Programmes
Ethics, Public Health & Human Rights; Globalisation & Health; Nutrition Related Chronic Disease
- Slot 5:
Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology*
AIDS
Applying Public Health Principles in Developing Countries
Integrated Vector Management
Principles and Practice of Public Health
Further details for the course modules - https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/epidemiology#structure
This course has a compulsory two-day residential retreat outside London. This is held on the Wednesday and Thursday of the first week in Term 1. This is included in the £200 field trip fee.
A one-day field trip to Oxford usually takes place in November during reading week. Students are encouraged to attend but it is not a compulsory part of the course.
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a written research project on a topic selected in consultation with their tutor, for submission by early September. This can be a data-analysis of an adequately powered study, a study protocol, a systematic review or an infectious disease modelling study. Students do not usually travel abroad to collect data.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/mse.html#sixth
These courses provide epidemiological training for professionals in academic departments, research units, or in the health services.
Epidemiology is the key discipline underlying medical research, public health practice and health care evaluation. The understanding of its principles and practice is crucial for those involved in the design or assessment of epidemiological studies and programme evaluation. Epidemiological methods are also used to describe the size and nature of health problems, to investigate the aetiology of specific diseases, and to evaluate the impact of interventions for treating and preventing ill health.
These courses provide epidemiology training for professionals in academic departments, research modules or in the health services. They are suitable for those aiming for a career in epidemiology research, academics in other health areas and other health professionals. The courses are also of interest to people who require an understanding of epidemiology, such as medical journalists and scientific officers in government and industry.
The aims and learning outcomes of the courses are detailed in the programme specification.
- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://london.ac.uk/sites/default/files/programme-specifications/progspec-epidemiology.pdf)
- Distance Learning prospectus (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/epidemiology-online)
- EPM101 taster session This 10-minute taster session is taken from EPM101 Fundamentals of Epidemiology, the first core module of this Distance Learning Epidemiology course. It will introduce you to some epidemiological ideas and invite you to answer some of the questions that faced John Snow when he investigated the 1848 London cholera epidemic.
- EPM307 session on Cancer Epidemiology This 2-3 hour session is part of our Distance Learning Epidemiology module on the Global Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases. The session was jointly developed by the School and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The session covers how data about cancer are collected and used, how secular and geographic variations in cancer burden can be interpreted, the most common risk factors associated with cancer globally, and how cancer can be prevented and controlled. Note that this session includes video clips and may take a few minutes to open.
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/epidemiology-online
Assessment varies from module to module but will include a combination of unseen written examinations and written assignments. Details are given in the module specifications.
Examinations take place once a year in June (please note: it is not possible to hold examinations at other times of year). These are normally held in a student’s country of residence. We have examination centres in over 180 countries worldwide (for details please visit the assessment and examinations section).
Examinations are arranged mainly through Ministries of Education or the British Council. Students taking examinations will need to pay a fee to their local examination centre. Please note that if you fail an examination at the first entry you will be allowed one further attempt.
Credits will be awarded to all modules (15 credits each) and (MSc only) the project (45 credits) successfully completed. To successfully pass an award, the following credits must be gained:
- Postgraduate Certificate – 60 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma – 120 credits
- Master's – 180 credits
Most of the key study materials for the Epidemiology modules are in the form of interactive computer sessions (on CD-ROM or downloadable online), while two modules use a printed Study Guide. Workbooks, readers, textbooks and /or additional computer software (e.g. Stata) may be provided, depending on the modules studied. Materials are also provided online where possible, via the School's online learning site Moodle. Additional resources include past examination papers and Examiners’ reports, a Student Handbook and access to the School’s online library.
The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff.You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.
The study year for most modules runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams, while two modules run from the beginning of January through to assignment submission at the end of August. The project work (MSc only) is carried out in the final year, with submission at the end of September.
Support is available from teaching staff allocated to each module in the following ways:
- Facilitating discussion between students and answering student queries, using online discussion forums through the School’s online learning site Moodle
- Providing personalised feedback from teaching staff on assignments
- Holding real-time webinars in some modules
- Students undertaking a project are assigned personal supervisors.
After successful completion of a minimum number of core modules, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students may also be eligible for the 'blended learning option', which allows for the study of up to two modules only (from a restricted list) at the School in London during the Spring or Summer terms in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options, and the dates when the modules are held at the School, are subject to change - full details will be sent to all distance learning students in July each year.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/dmsepp.html#seventh
With evidence-based medicine setting new standards, highly trained academic specialists are needed for the design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological and health research. Do you see yourself in a future career as an epidemiologist and clinical researcher? Join our programme, sign up!
The Master’s programme Epidemiology is an excellent opportunity if you have a strong interest in applied medical or biomedical research, as well as human or veterinary medicine. Examine the distribution and determinants of health and morbidity in specific populations. This scientific discipline is increasingly in demand in clinical research, industry and policymaking.
The Master’s programme in Epidemiology is also offered on postgraduate level. Choose between face-to-face and online education, so students in various stages of their careers can opt for a suitable study programme.
Social inequalities in health relating to poverty and absolute and relative deprivation are major themes in research and policy debates in both developed and developing countries. This unique MSc is designed to respond to the need for trained researchers, health professionals and policymakers in the field of social epidemiology.
Students gain knowledge of the various approaches to social epidemiology, and develop relevant skills in study design and data analysis, exploring the link between social environment and health, alongside a broad perspective on the social determinants of health and an ability to advocate research and policy measures in the field.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of seven compulsory modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, seven core modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits), full-time nine months, part-time two years or flexible-time up to 5 years is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose either Advanced Statistical Modelling or any relevant subject module within UCL
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project relevant to the broad area of social influences on health, which culminates in a dissertation of a maximum of 15,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, problem-solving exercises, discussions, and supervised practical work. Students are encouraged to develop research and presentation skills, and are instructed in the preparation of scientific papers. Assessment is through coursework, essays, presentations, data analysis and grant proposal exercises, and the dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Health and Society: Social Epidemiology MSc
The next generation of social epidemiologists, public health policy-makers and PhD students/researchers will find this innovative 12-month programme beneficial.
First destinations for graduates of the programme include governmental departments, the NHS, universities and research institutions. Some graduates continue their training as PhD students.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL is one of the world's pioneering universities with a reputation for high-quality research. Located in the heart of London it is a stimulating and exciting environment in which to study.
Epidemiology and Public Health is a friendly, thriving multidisciplinary department. Staff, specialising in epidemiology, medicine, biology, dentistry, economics, psychology, public health, statistics and sociology, aim to develop a better understanding of health and prevention of ill health through vigorous research at a global, national and local level.
This knowledge is applied via teaching, contributions to national and international health policy and contributions to the wider public understanding of health.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care
81% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This is a joint programme provided by the School and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). There is a shortage of trained veterinary epidemiologists and there are excellent career opportunities for graduates. This course provides training in essential methodological skills for the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and communication of epidemiological studies; and surveillance and disease control in animal and human populations.
This course is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma
Graduates from this course hold positions in a variety of organisations including: Ministries of Agriculture & Food; Veterinary Investigation Laboratories; Animal Disease Research Institutes; Animal Health Trusts; Veterinary Faculties in Universities and International Organisations concerned with global health (DFID, FAO, WHO, OIE, etc).
- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/files/ve-progspec.pdf)
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/veterinary-epidemiology
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- design and implement epidemiological studies and surveillance systems
- analyse and interpret data from epidemiological studies
- undertake risk analysis and apply this to animal health economics
- apply epidemiological principles to disease control within animal and human populations
- give pragmatic advice on animal health linked to welfare, production and public health
- communicate effectively on the health of animal and human populations to a range of audiences, including the general public, farmers, researchers, politicians and other key policy makers
Term 1:
All students take the compulsory modules and usually take the recommended modules.
Compulsory modules:
Extended Epidemiology
Epidemiological Aspects of Laboratory Investigation
Surveillance of Animal Health & Production
Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health
Data Management for Epidemiological Studies
Communication Skills in Epidemiology
Recommended:
Public Health Lecture Series
Optional:
Epidemiology in Context
Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Introduction to Computing
Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five compulsory study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.).
Slot 1: Animal Health Economics
Slot 2: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
Slot 3: Modelling and the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Slot 4: Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases
Slot 5: Applied Veterinary Epidemiology
Further details for the course modules - https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/masters-degrees/module-specifications
Project Report (MSc only):
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on a topic in veterinary epidemiology, for submission by early September.
Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.
Why intercalate with us?:
Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:
- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)
- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)
- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)
- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)
Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.
Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.
Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.
MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msve.html#sixth
What is the MSc/PGDip in Veterinary Epidemiology?
In a world where global transport links allow rapid movement of people and animals, disease can spread more quickly than before and is harder to control than ever. In such a world there is a growing need for trained epidemiologists at the front line of disease surveillance.
The UK leads the way in providing this training and, in order to meet the demand for skilled professionals, the RVC has developed a unique postgraduate veterinary epidemiology course, delivered jointly with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
This demanding masters in veterinary epidemiology programme is led by veterinary epidemiologists and supported by policy makers from the forefront of UK government and you will gain a fascinating insight into the work of the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, formerly AHVLA). Your areas of study will combine LSHTM’s strengths in epidemiological principles and communicable disease epidemiology, with the RVC’s expertise in veterinary epidemiology, animal health and production.
The MSc programme comprises six compulsory modules, followed by a 12-week research project on a relevant topic of your choice. PGDip students study five modules only and are not required to complete a research project.
Founded in 1791, the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, is a long-established institution with a global reputation for veterinary and biological sciences. Our mission is to provide visionary leadership and excellence in veterinary science through innovative scholarship and pioneering clinical activity. We are the only veterinary school in the world to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council.
The LSHTM is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public health and global health, and was recently named the world’s leading research-focused graduate school (Thomson Reuters / Times Higher Education, 2013). It has been cited as one of the world’s top universities for collaborative research.
The LSHTM's mission is to improve public health and health equity in the UK and worldwide, working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice.
Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to:
You can choose to complete the Veterinary Epidemiology postgrad course over one year full-time study, or part time over two years.
All participants begin the course in September. Over three terms, you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. Both MSc and Diploma students complete the Term One foundation module. MSc students then complete a further five compulsory modules over Terms Two and Three, while Diploma students complete a further four modules, with some module choice available.
Students on both courses sit written examination papers in June, after which the veterinary epidemiology MSc students will work on a research project from June to August, culminating in an oral examination in September.
Part-time students attend the course full-time from October to December in year one, followed by classes two to three days a week from January to May. You will usually study the remainder of the course in year two, including the summer research project (MSc students only).
We recognise the need for flexibility, however, and are happy to tailor your part-time study to meet your specific requirements (subject to agreement with the course director).
The teaching is delivered using the excellent facilities of the LSHTM in London as well as at the RVC’s London and Hertfordshire campuses. The course also includes a visit to the APHA (Weybridge).
The field of Veterinary Epidemiology straddles several different areas. Therefore, although you will be based at the RVC, aspects of basic epidemiology applicable to both human and animal diseases are taught at the LSHTM, and risk analysis and surveillance are taught by APHA staff.
Demand for trained veterinary epidemiologists currently outstrips supply, and there are excellent opportunities in a variety of organisations involved in disease control at national, regional and international level, as well as in teaching, research and various food-related industries.
RVC graduates hold senior positions within government departments in many different countries. Many go on to work alongside the people who have taught them during the previous year. Within the UK, graduates are employed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA, formerly AHVLA), as well as in research centres and pharmaceutical companies.
For example, 2013/14 MSc Vet Epi graduate Luisa Dormer started work at the APHA right after completing the course. She writes, '[I am] enjoying working at APHA. I have realised just how much I learnt during the MSc [Vet Epi] now that I am putting it into practice!'
Please see Luisa's full testimonial below:
Join a unique programme
Join the only veterinary epidemiology speciality programme in Australasia.
Find out more about the Master of Veterinary Studies parent structure.
Massey University offers the only veterinary epidemiology programme in Australasia.
Epidemiology is the science concerned with study patterns of health and disease in different populations, or groups. Group comparison is at the core of scientific methods needed to assess the efficacy of intervention for the prevention, treatment and management of diseases.
When you complete a master’s in epidemiology at Massey University you will gain the skills needed to work at a high level in the field of epidemiology. You will gain skills in critical evaluation of the literature, through to study design and advanced skills in analysis of epidemiologic data.
You will learn how to critically evaluate the literature to make evidence-based decision making in a range of sectors including health and policy. This epidemiology programme will teach you how to design surveillance systems and population studies in order to determine magnitude of health problems. You will be able to identify risk factors, evaluate interventions and gain the skills necessary in advanced data analysis and statistical computing.
You will gain from the Master of Veterinary Studies’ (Epidemiology) emphasis on developing lantitative skills through case studies. During your studies you will work with data collected during real epidemiological studies to help you learn how to interpret results in the light of bias, confounding, effect modification and model error.
Massey University hosts the EpiCentre - the largest veterinary epidemiology training and research centre in Australasia and widely considered to be one of the leading groups in the world. The group has a proven track record with more than 15 years’ experience in education and research.
The EpiCentre is an OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) Collaborating Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health and the only such centre in the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, we have are doing research both in NZ and internationally and this gives us a very outward facing program. We have taught students from all over the world and many have returned to do a PhD with Massey.
The Centre works extensively in the development and commercial application of animal health software (DairyWIN, InterSpread, CamDairy, VetPad), and is also experienced in the use and integration of a wide range of software for epidemiological uses, notably geographical information systems (GIS), expert systems, multivariate analysis and simulation modelling.
The group is active in field work with humans, production animals, companion animals and wildlife in New Zealand, and provides consultancy services and training courses in epidemiology throughout the world.
Massey University’s veterinary programme is ranked in the top 50 universities worldwide by both the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking and ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
This course is run on our Manawatu campus in Palmerston North. Host to the only veterinary school in New Zealand, Massey University’s well-equipped facilities include an equine hospital, 24-hour pet hospital and sheep, beef, dairy and deer farms, all located near campus. The Wildbase wildlife hospital is the only dedicated wildlife hospital in New Zealand and underwent a $1.44 million expansion in 2016.
You will have access to our other world-leading science facilities such as modern laboratories for virology and bacteriology, molecular and immunohistochemical work.
Although the focus of this programme is on animal health, this programme is also suitable if you are working in another sector and wish to improve your critical evaluation skills and managing data.
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Master of Veterinary Studies will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. The workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study.
Our Epidemiology MRes is a research-based course with a taught component that is equivalent to an MSc. It provides a springboard into a career that involves a working knowledge of scientific research.
The course is designed for graduates with a BSc in the life sciences or other science disciplines, and for intercalating and fully qualified MBBS or BDS students. It can be taken either as a stand-alone qualification or as an entry route onto a PhD or MD.
The taught component of the course includes subject-specific content in the area of epidemiology. You have the flexibility to develop your own bespoke course by selecting additional, complementary modules. You will also participate in training in general research principles, and other professional and key skills.
You will study a subject-specific module in clinical epidemiology that provides theoretical and practical understanding of:
-The value, theoretical basis and practicalities of epidemiology
-Approaches to epidemiological research
It covers the basic epidemiology of cancer, children's health and adult onset diseases, with an emphasis on practical application.
Your research project comprises the major element of the course. This project will involve 24 weeks of research in an area of epidemiology under the supervision of an expert academic researcher in the field.
The course allows you to experience an internationally competitive research area, predominantly in academia but also potentially in industry.
Epidemiology MRes is closely linked to a suite of MRes courses that you may also be interested in. See Programme information in our online Prospectus for full details.
Our Medical Sciences Graduate School is dedicated to providing you with information, support and advice throughout your research degree studies. We can help and advise you on a variety of queries relating to your studies, funding or welfare.
Our Research Student Development Programme supports and complements your research whilst developing your professional skills and confidence.
You will make an on-going assessment of your own development and training needs through personal development planning (PDP) in the ePortfolio system. Our organised external events and development programme have been mapped against the Vitae Researcher Development Framework to help you identify how best to meet your training and development needs.
With evidence-based medicine setting new standards, highly trained academic specialists are needed for the design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological and health research. You can become an expert in this growing field by joining our globally oriented postgraduate programme. We offer both a 1.5 year face-to-face full-time programme in Utrecht and a 3-5 year online part-time programme through Elevate. The content of both programmes is similar, the type of education is different.
The aim of our programme is to provide you with extensive knowledge and practical skills in patient-oriented research design, implementation, quantitative analysis and its application to human or veterinary medicine and public health. The gained knowledge and skills form a solid basis for health research and disease control programs, including application in low and lower-middle income countries. This scientific discipline is increasingly in demand in research, industry and policymaking.
The Epidemiology postgraduate programme is accessible and highly suitable for applicants who already have a medical or biomedical Master’s degree, such as physicians, veterinarians and pharmacists. Note that this postgraduate programme is not state funded and that it is not eligible for study financing from the Dutch student grant and loans systems. Please contact Elevate for more information about the tuition fee.
The science of epidemiology underpins public health policy, dental science and health services research, and employs a large number of researchers around the world.
Biostatistics is the science of collecting, analysing, presenting and drawing inferences from data for research in medicine and health. Understanding of context is vitally important as methods developed in one area of statistics can be misleading when unthinkingly applied elsewhere.
The MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics has been developed to meet the growing need for the research community to possess excellence in biostatistical analysis, especially for the analysis of observational data.
You’ll learn a wide range of contemporary statistical methods and, most importantly, when and where they should be applied.
Graduates of this course have a wide range of career options, and are in demand in universities, government, national health services, non-government organisations and industry.
More information
You'll be part of a world-renowned School and will be taught by internationally recognised scholars.
You can also study this programme part time over 24 months.
You’ll study modules totalling 180 credits. If you study this programme part time you will study fewer modules in each year.
You’ll take common core (compulsory) modules, including our innovative Professional Spine module, designed to give you the skills and experience to work effectively in research, public health or health services research. It includes, for example, ethics, academic writing for publication, consultancy, management and leadership skills.
Specialist themes
You focus on one of these specialist themes, selecting up to three modules within it:
Statistical Epidemiology – you specialise in the advanced statistical methods that play a crucial part in modern epidemiological research. This includes latent variable methods (allowing models to vary across different subgroups of the patient population and multilevel techniques) taking into account the complex hierarchy of patients treated by clinical teams within hospitals.
Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology – you specialise in the epidemiology of diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and congenital anomalies that are a leading cause of death worldwide. As well as understanding the biology, causes and trends of these diseases, you will also explore exposures (such as diet, chemicals, radiation, toxicology and lifestyle factors) including measurement, validation and study design.
Research project
The programme culminates in your research project, supervised by leading researchers in their field. In collaboration with the teaching team, you’ll choose, design, conduct and write your research project, tailored to your chosen specialism. You, can design a project yourself or can choose from a range designed by the supervisors.
The final outcome will be to write up a paper, suitable for journal publication. We’ll encourage you to submit the article, using our experience and reputation to help you.
Compulsory modules
We blend face-to-face teaching with technology to enhance your learning experience. Self-directed online learning lets you study at a pace that suits you, whilst face-to-face support allows you to explore individual areas of difficulty and extend your understanding.
You’re likely to experience:
We understand the importance of assessment and feedback in your learning. We provide assessment in as many modules as possible so that you can gauge your understanding of the key concepts.
You’ll get feedback in a variety of ways: through informal discussion with tutors, written feedback from formative assessments, marks obtained in both formative and summative assessments and peer-review from presenting projects and data.
Each module contains a summative assessment component (a more formal evaluation). Some of these will be done via continuous in-course assessment, and some as end-of-module assessment.
Our assessment and feedback will use a number of methods:
This online Masters degree offers professional training in the epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases. It also provides essential statistical skills related to the health problems of both the developed and the developing world.
Graduates from the course pursue careers in medical research; public health and community medicine; epidemiological field studies; disease surveillance units; drug/vaccine manufacturers; or disease control in governmental, NGO's or donor institutions.
It is also of interest to those who require an understanding of epidemiology, such as medical journalists and scientific officers in government and industry.
The course aims to provide:
· epidemiological training for professionals in academic departments, research units, or in the health services
· a comprehensive understanding of the basic concepts and methods in epidemiology together with advanced skills in specific applications of epidemiological research methods.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is the leading postgraduate medical institution in Europe in the subjects of public health and tropical medicine.
The Epidemiology modules are delivered through provision of interactive learning materials supplied on CD-ROM, supported by practical workbooks and textbooks. Students are actively encouraged to participate in web-based discussion boards. Training is also provided in the use of statistical software.
If you have any questions, please contact our Student Advice Centre.